TWO WENT missing after a landslide in Caraga, Davao Oriental as most local government units suspended classes and directed public workers to work from home as the low-pressure area triggered non-stop rains since Tuesday.
Rescuers are racing against time to find the missing persons in Barangay Pichon, Caraga, Davao Oriental since Tuesday morning, Jan.30.
According to the Coast Guard District South Eastern Mindanao, the terrain and remote location, situated about three to four hours away from Sitio Panlaisan Poblacion proper, posed a challenge to rescuers.
In response to the emergency, the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), Coast Guard Station Davao Oriental, and Coast Guard K-9 Field Operating Unit-SEM sent one search and rescue dog (Appa) to help the rescuers.
However, as of this writing, the road from Mati City to Tarragona (Sitio Slide in Mayo, Mati City) is not passable due to a landslide.
Meanwhile, following the issuance of Pagasa’s Weather Advisory No. 4 at 11 p.m. on Jan. 30, Davao City suspended all classes in all levels of public and private schools for Wednesday, Jan. 31.
Furthermore, a work-from-home arrangement shall be adopted in all national and local government offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations in Davao City, except for offices performing safety and security, health, social services, and disaster and emergency response services.
Private offices and establishments have the discretion to suspend work but are encouraged to do so for the safety and convenience of their employees.
Also, the City Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) continues to monitor flood-prone and landslide-prone areas.
Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Lt Commander Angel Tobias, the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao chief of staff, said they already issued a warning to all the watercraft vessels and fisher folks in Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Sur to take precautionary measures and monitor weather updates to avoid any maritime incident.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard Station Davao suspended sea travel in Davao Occidental.
